FACTS ON ESCOLAR

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What is escolar?

Escolar is the common name for two species of fish from the family Gempylidae. Escolar have dark brown skin with white, oily flesh, and are found worldwide in tropical waters. Both species can be legally imported into Canada.

The acceptable common names for these fish are "escolar", "snake mackerel", and "oilfish", depending on the species. Escolar has occasionally been mislabelled as "gemfish", "rudderfish", "butterfish", "sea bass" or "blue cod".

Escolar in Canada is usually presented frozen, in steaks. Escolar may be offered for sale in stores, and may be served at restaurants.

What are the possible reactions from consuming escolar?

Escolar naturally contains high levels of a purgative oil called gempylotoxin. Although this oil cannot be digested by humans, individuals have different tolerance levels and reactions to consuming escolar will vary. This oil is indigestible due to the high composition of wax esters and is similar to castor oil. The presence of this form of oil is inherent to this family of fish, and is not associated with spoilage of the fish.

Some individuals who have eaten escolar may experience stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often oily and orange/yellow in colour. Nausea, vomiting and headache may also occur. The reaction usually subsides within 24-48 hrs. The elderly and individuals with current bowel problems may experience a more severe reaction.

What can I do to minimize the possibility of health effects?

• Consumers should speak with their retailer, if in doubt, to confirm the species they are eating as some products are labelled at the retail level.

Consumers may minimize the potential for any health effects by:

• choosing smaller portion sizes; and
• preparing the escolar in such a way that some of the oil is removed (e.g. grilling).

For more information on foodborne illness and safe food handling practices, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website at www.inspection.gc.ca.

P0572E-07
May 2007